Highland Games Categories

Understanding some of the Highland Games categories before you go to an Event or 'Gathering' will increase your both your experience and fun on the day.

As well as the Highland Games held throughout the Kingdom of Fife and throughout Scotland, do look out for other functions which will give you a glimpse into our life and culture. But have a look at Highland Games in Fife - for this year's venues for the games in the Kingdom.

But Highland Games are a wonderful experience for all the family, whether you are a participant or spectator. I just love the sound of the pipes and drums and watching the grace of the dancers; and the sight of seeing so many men in their Kilts is spectacular, and will probably get you asking the age-old question of "What do Scotsmen wear underneath their Kilts?" Of course it is also delightful to see the children often dressed in tartan clothes. If you're not sure what the difference is between tartan and plaid click HERE for further information.

However, if you think these are just some 'Tourist Attraction', then you are mistaken! These are local events run by and for local people, although, of course, visitors are VERY welcome.

There is usually a small entrance fee, and you’ll normally be given a programme of the Highland Games Categories in that particular games. Do click the links on the headings below for further information on the different events.

Marching Pipers

Highland Games Categories - Marching Pipers



HIGHLAND GAMES - MUSIC EVENTS


Music plays a big part in any Highland Games, and if listening to it doesn't get you tapping your feet, I would be surprised. Seeing all the participants in their Highland Dress is a wonderful site, and there is such excitement in the air as they take part in the various competitions. They include:-

  • Piping

  • Pipe Band

  • Massed Band

  • Drumming

  • Drum Major

  • Scottish Fiddle

I found a wonderful story about Pipe Major Bill Robertson who now lives in New Zealand. It's worth a read and you'll find it here Pipe Major Bill Robertson's Bagpipe Journey.

Pipers in Highland Dress

Pipers in Highland Dress



HIGHLAND GAMES - DANCING EVENTS


Highland Dancing is thought to have originated in the Highlands of Scotland around the 11th Century. The dances were originally performed by men and require a great deal of stamina. In judging the competition dances, the judges look for are the precision and timing of the steps in conjunction with the required arm and leg movements. The dance should appear relaxed and in control of all movements. Once again, seeing the excitement of the participants, al wering their wonderful costumes is delightful. Some of the dances include:-

  • The Highland Fling

  • The Sword Dance

  • Strathspey and Highland Reel

  • Strathspey and Half Tulloch

  • Sailor's Hornpipe


Sword Dance

Highland Games Categories - Sword Dance



HIGHLAND GAMES - ATHLETIC EVENTS

At all Highland Games you’ll find sporting events, some taken very seriously by the athletes, others are more fun for the visitors. But they are all a major part in all Highland Games categories.

The Heavy Events are often seen as the main part of the athletic events, but there are some other 'fun' things which are worth watching or even participating in. But the Heavy Events test the athletes’ strength, skill and endurance. Events containing the word Toss generally refer to competitions for height whereas events containing the word Throw are for distance.

Shot Put

Shot Put



  • Weight Throw

  • Weight Toss

  • Stone Throw

  • Braemar Stone

  • Hammer Throw

  • Farmer's Walk

  • Tug-of-war

  • Kilted Mile

  • Tossing The Wellie

  • Bonnie Knees Contest



Tossing the Caber . Learn more about the poles tossed by Scots or 'Tossing the caber' as we call it. Games are held annually in the Kingdom of Fife.



Tossing the Caber

Tossing the Caber



For additional information, be sure to see:


Athletic Events - Highland Games Categories always include a variety of athletic or sporting competition.
Dancing Events - Learn more about the Dancing competitions, always a joy to see, and again featured in every Highland Games.
Music Events - Learn a wee bit more about the different Music Events which are a common feature in all Highland Games.
Tossing The Caber - Look at this wonderful athletic event. If you don't know what it is, you might refer to it as 'poles tossed by Scots'
Athletic Events - Highland Games Categories always include a variety of athletic or sporting competition.
Highland Games in Fife - for this year's venues for the games in the Kingdom.



Dancing Events - Learn more about the Dancing competitions, always a joy to see, and again featured in every Highland Games.
Music Events - Learn a wee bit more about the different Music Events which are a common feature in all Highland Games.


Tossing The Caber - Look at this wonderful athletic event. If you don't know what it is, you might refer to it as 'poles tossed by Scots'
Tartan, Plaid and Kilts - A brief look at Scottish Tartan and Plaid.
Underneath Men's Kilts - A quick look at the age-old question, and the fascination people have about what Scotsmen wear under their kilt.
Kilts and Flashes - A brief look at the history of the kilt.
Tartan Clothes from Scotland - A summary of some of the tartan clothes that come from Scotland.


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